logo

Tennessee

LicensePlate.org

Tennessee License Plate Lookup

License plate:

  • Make
  • Model
  • Year
  • Public Records
  • Vehicle Details
  • Vehicle Specs
  • Recalls and Defects
  • Vehicle Identification Number
  • And More
Tennessee License Plate Lookup /License Plate Cost

How Much Does It Cost to Get a License Plate in Tennessee in 2025?

Factors That Influence the Total License Plate Cost in Tennessee

The cost of obtaining a license plate in Tennessee is influenced by several factors, which include:

  • Type of Vehicle: The vehicle type, such as passenger cars, motorcycles, or commercial vehicles, affects the base registration fee.
  • County of Registration: Different counties may impose additional fees or taxes, impacting the total cost.
  • Type of License Plate: Standard, specialty, or personalized plates have varying costs.
  • Vehicle Weight: Heavier vehicles may incur higher fees due to additional road use taxes.
  • Emission Testing: In certain counties, vehicles must pass an emissions test, which may add to the overall cost.

Specialty License Plates in Tennessee

Tennessee offers a variety of specialty license plates that cater to different interests and affiliations. These plates often support specific causes or organizations and come with additional fees:

  • Standard Specialty Plates: These plates typically have an additional fee of $35, which supports the designated cause or organization.
  • Military and Veteran Plates: Available to eligible service members and veterans, these plates may have reduced fees or no additional cost, depending on the specific plate.
  • Collegiate Plates: Featuring logos of Tennessee colleges and universities, these plates generally require an extra fee of $35.
  • Organizational Plates: For members of certain organizations, these plates may have varying fees based on the organization’s requirements.

Personalized License Plates in Tennessee

Personalized license plates allow vehicle owners to create custom messages or combinations of letters and numbers. The process and costs associated with obtaining a personalized plate include:

  • Application Fee: A non-refundable fee of $35 is required when applying for a personalized plate.
  • Annual Renewal Fee: An additional $35 is charged annually to maintain the personalized plate.
  • Character Limitations: Personalized plates can have up to seven characters, including spaces and special symbols.

Tennessee License Plate Renewal Fee

License plate renewal in Tennessee is an annual requirement, and the fees are determined by several factors:

  • Base Registration Fee: Typically $26.50 for passenger vehicles.
  • County Fees: Additional fees may be imposed by the county, ranging from $10 to $25.
  • Specialty and Personalized Plate Fees: If applicable, these fees are added to the base renewal cost.
  • Late Renewal Penalties: A late fee of $5 is charged if the renewal is not completed by the expiration date.

Tennessee License Plate Replacements Fee

In the event that a license plate is lost, stolen, or damaged, a replacement can be obtained by paying the following fees:

  • Replacement Fee: The standard fee for replacing a license plate is $12.
  • Decal Replacement: If only the decal is lost or damaged, the replacement fee is $2.
  • Required Documentation: Proof of vehicle ownership and a valid ID are necessary to process the replacement request.

How Much Is the Tag Transfer Fee in Tennessee

When transferring a license plate from one vehicle to another, the following fees and requirements apply:

  • Transfer Fee: A fee of $1.50 is charged for transferring a license plate to a new vehicle.
  • Eligibility: The transfer is only allowed between vehicles owned by the same individual or entity.
  • Documentation: The owner must provide proof of ownership for both the old and new vehicles.

Exemptions and Discounts

Certain individuals and organizations may qualify for exemptions or discounts on license plate fees in Tennessee:

  • Disabled Veterans: Eligible veterans may receive a free license plate, subject to specific criteria.
  • Senior Citizens: Some counties offer reduced fees for senior citizens, typically those aged 65 and older.
  • Non-Profit Organizations: Vehicles owned by qualifying non-profit organizations may be exempt from certain fees.
  • Government Vehicles: Vehicles owned by government entities are generally exempt from registration fees.

These exemptions and discounts are subject to verification and may require additional documentation to qualify.